Community support helps HUB continue its mission after rash of break-ins

Bob Highfill Record Staff Writer @BobHighfill

Thursday

Sep 5, 2019 at 4:53 PM

STOCKTON — Helping Urban Bicyclists in downtown Stockton is back after it closed earlier this year due to a rash of break-ins.

HUB was founded in 2016 by Stephen Bentley, a deacon at St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church, next door to his shop located at 131 E. Miner Street. In January, HUB was broken into for the fourth time in six months, including twice in a five-day span. The most recent break-in occurred on Jan. 9, when a glass door was shattered and a bicycle stolen. The repeated damage and burglaries forced Bentley to close, at the time for an unknown duration.

Fortunately, the community came through, new roller gates were installed for security, and Bentley reopened after a three-week hiatus. On Wednesday morning, Bentley spruced up a bike as his friend and cyclist Bill Eccleston and a man who identified himself as Chris watched and chatted with him.

“We have received quite a bit (of support),” Bentley said. “There have been a number of people who have responded, some with tools for the things that were missing and the things that were stolen, some who offered supplies, like bicycle tubes, and things that we needed.

“Little by little people were definitely adding their donations to it,” he said. “Every little bit counts.”

Bentley said the purpose of HUB is offer support — bicycle assistance — to those who are underemployed or need help along the way to the next point of success. Bentley provides free maintenance and repairs, or accepts donations in exchange for payment from those who can do so to help the organization.

“When we have bikes available, we offer bikes to those who fit within the criteria we are looking for,” Bentley said. “Mostly, we’re looking for people who are working and those who have homes, so they can keep the bikes safe, and pretty much we’re just trying to help as many people as we can.”

Bentley said between 30 and 40 people visit HUB per day. He has about 20 donated bicycles hanging from a rack in his shop that are given away or used for spare parts.

Bentley said some who have received help from his ministry in the past assisted him during tough times.

“We’ve been very supported by those who know what we are doing,” said Bentley, “particularly those who have received the services that we offer.”

Chris said he has received bikes from HUB in the past, but doesn’t have a bike now so he can take care of his dogs, Shadow and Shady. On Wednesday, Chris was inside the shop charging his electronics while his dogs lay on the cool floor.

“He helps me not only charging my stuff but he’s given clothes and razors,” Chris said. “And he’s going to have showers for all the homeless here pretty soon.”

Bentley said HUB has contracted with Showered with Love, a mobile hygiene facility that will set up showers a couple days a week in the parking lot behind the shop, possibly starting the end of this month.

“It’s heartwarming to see that so many are getting something from us that’s improving their lives,” Bentley said. “It’s not always easy out on the street. The people that we have helped see that our heart is out there for them.”

HUB accepts used bikes, bike parts and financial donations through St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church at 316 N. El Dorado St. Information: (209) 663-9955, diossanjoaquin.org.